Hunter Hayes may be introducing a more carefree time in his life with "21," the first single from an upcoming third studio album. Lyrically, he doesn't go as deep as some of the songs from Storyline. The concept and sound are easy to embrace.

Dallas Davidson, Kelley Lovelace and Ashley Gorley penned the song, making "21" Hayes' first release that he didn't (technically) have a hand in writing. However, he added his fingerprints to the sound (see below) and his production team was sure to create something that falls in line with his brand. This isn't Hunter Hayes doing his best Luke Bryan impression.

“Well it’s your birthday / Let’s act like it is / And just go crazy / Do what we want with no reason why," Hayes sings to begin "21," after an introduction inspired by pop-rock bands like the Lumineers, or maybe Mumford & Sons if they shaved and started wearing skinny jeans.

“Life ain’t long enough / So let’s celebrate / And get drunk on good love / And remember what it’s like to just dance all night.”

While not as successful commercially as he may have liked, Storyline mixed great lyrical depth with intoxicating rhythms. This song is more straight-forward and accessible. The chorus goes:

“That’s the way that we’re doing it, doing it / We go big or we go back home / People looking at us like we’re losing it, losing it / Baby we ain’t doing nothing wrong / Gonna be up all night / Chasing the sunrise / Like we’re wild and young, baby kids on the run / We’re gonna party like we just turned 21.” 

Comparisons to Taylor Swift's "22" are fair, but comparing Hayes to Swift in general is fair. "21" is sure to go over well live, and it doesn't present any natural obstacles to becoming his first Top 10 since "I Want Crazy."

Why Fans Will Love It: It's a carefree party song.

Key Lyrics: "Gonna be up all night / Chasing the sunrise / Like we’re wild and young, baby kids on the run / We’re gonna party like we just turned 21."

Did You Know?: Hayes asked Davidson if he could tinker with his song, and after getting his blessing, he made significant changes to the intro, bridge and feel of the track.

Listen to Hunter Hayes, “21”

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